- Apple will skip M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, opting instead to focus on the M7 models for its upcoming processors, according to a new report.
- The M7 generation is expected to be released in 2027, with Apple planning to introduce its next Pro and Max chips at that time.
- Apple's Touch MacBook will utilize the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with M7 models anticipated to follow.
- The revamped roadmap is part of Apple's strategy to accelerate its AI advancements in response to growing demand for on-device capabilities.
- The M6 chip will be the first Apple processor since the advent of Apple Silicon in 2020 to not have a Pro or Max configuration.
- The base M6 chip is planned for release as early as this year, focusing on improved memory bandwidth and an upgraded neural engine for AI processing.
- The M7 line is designed primarily around major advancements to on-device AI processing, with the base model expected in the first half of next year.
Apple is making a significant shift in its Mac chip roadmap by skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max processors to focus on the upcoming M7 series, which will enhance AI capabilities. The M6 chip is set to launch for entry-level models later this year, featuring improved memory bandwidth of up to 200 gigabytes per second and an upgraded neural engine for AI processing.5
The M7 lineup is expected to debut in 2027, with the base M7 chip arriving as early as the first half of next year, followed by the M7 Pro and M7 Max by the end of 2027. This change reflects Apple's strategy to meet the growing demand for on-device AI capabilities and more graphics-intensive software.27
According to reports, the M6 chip will be the first Apple processor since the introduction of Apple Silicon in 2020 to lack a “Pro” or “Max” configuration. The M5 chips will still power the first-ever touch-screen MacBook models, while the M6 will focus on entry-level performance.
“The change is designed to help meet growing demand for on-device AI capabilities,” said sources familiar with the matter. The M6 chip has been tested in a new entry-level MacBook Pro and is planned for release later this year.
Overall, this strategic pivot indicates Apple's commitment to advancing its technology in line with market trends and user needs.
“Apple is set to skip the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, instead prioritizing the M7 generation for enhanced AI capabilities. The M5 Pro and Max chips will be used in the upcoming Touch MacBook, with M7 models expected to follow.”
9to5Mac
